Relative Deprivation: Understanding the Concept, Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

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Introduction

Relative deprivation is a foundational concept in social psychology, sociology, and political science, addressing the perception of disadvantage people experience when they compare themselves to others. It is less about actual material wealth or well-being and more about subjective feelings of deprivation or inequality when individuals believe they are entitled to more than what they possess, relative to their peers or reference groups. This psychological and social phenomenon has significant implications for societal cohesion, mental health, economic behavior, and collective action.

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What is Relative Deprivation?

Relative deprivation occurs when individuals or groups perceive themselves as unfairly disadvantaged compared to others, regardless of their absolute circumstances. Runciman (1966), credited with formalizing the term, distinguished between:

• Egoistic relative deprivation: Comparing oneself to another person or group.
• Fraternalistic relative deprivation: Feeling one’s group is disadvantaged compared to another group.

Table 1: Key Concepts of Deprivation

Concept	Description
Absolute Deprivation	Lacking basic resources (food, shelter, etc.)
Relative Deprivation	Feeling deprived relative to others
Egoistic Deprivation	Individual-based comparison
Fraternalistic Deprivation	Group-based comparison

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Theories and Models

1. Runciman’s Four Preconditions for Relative Deprivation

Peter Townsend expanded on Runciman's framework, focusing on four main preconditions for relative deprivation to occur:

Precondition	Example
1. Lacks something	Cannot afford the latest technology
2. Observes others possess it	Sees friends or neighbors owning new smartphones
3. Wants/feels entitled to it	Believes owning a smartphone is a social necessity
4. Has realistic prospects	Thinks that acquiring a smartphone is possible given their circumstances

2. Social Comparison Theory

Festinger's Social Comparison Theory (1954) posits that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on comparisons to others, which can instigate feelings of relative deprivation.

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Causes of Relative Deprivation

Relative deprivation is not simply a result of material inequality, but rather it is a product of social and psychological processes. Common causes include:

Cause	Explanation & Example
Rising expectations	Economic growth raises standards, making previous norms inadequate
Social mobility	Comparing upwardly mobile peers triggers dissatisfaction
Media exposure	Seeing privileged lifestyles on social media or TV intensifies perceived deprivation
Segregation & inequality	Living near wealthier groups enhances feeling of being disadvantaged
Discriminatory policies	Systemic injustice targets specific groups, setting reference groups apart

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Impacts and Consequences

Relative deprivation influences behavior, emotions, and societal dynamics.

Table 2: Effects of Relative Deprivation

Effect	Manifestation
Mental health issues	Stress, anxiety, depression
Political mobilization	Protests, social movements
Criminal behavior	Property crimes, theft in response to deprivation
Decreased social cohesion	Increased resentment, breakdown of trust
Consumerism	Over-spending to 'keep up' with peers

Case Example:
Research links relative deprivation to increased rates of crime in otherwise affluent societies, where disparities are visible. For instance, income inequality in urban areas correlates with higher rates of property crime, driven partially by feelings of deprivation among less affluent groups.

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Relative Deprivation in Practice

1. Workplace

Employees who feel underappreciated or underpaid compared to coworkers are more likely to feel dissatisfied and may underperform, quit, or foment workplace conflict.

2. Social Movements

Many major social movements (e.g., Civil Rights Movement, Arab Spring) were driven by collective feelings of fraternalistic deprivation—one's group being unfairly denied opportunities or rights enjoyed by others.

3. Education

Students from less privileged backgrounds often feel deprived compared to wealthier classmates. This can affect aspiration, achievement, and overall well-being.

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Relative Deprivation vs. Absolute Deprivation

While absolute deprivation is about the lack of basic needs, relative deprivation is felt even when basic needs are met, as long as others are perceived to be better off. This can explain why people in wealthy societies may feel dissatisfied or unhappy despite high living standards.

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Addressing Relative Deprivation

Mitigating relative deprivation requires both structural and psychological approaches:

• Reducing Inequality: Progressive taxation, social safety nets, and equal opportunity programs.
• Improving Media Literacy: Helping people understand curated realities (e.g., social media) can reduce unrealistic comparisons.
• Fostering Social Cohesion: Community programs can bridge divides between social groups.
• Promotion of Equity over Equality: Ensuring fair treatment, not just equal treatment, can ease perceptions of unfairness.

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Table 3: Approaches to Addressing Relative Deprivation

Policy/Approach	Potential Impact
Progressive Taxation	Reduces income disparities
Universal Basic Income	Ensures a safety net for all
Diversity in Representation	Reduces symbolic deprivation
Community Integration	Enhances empathy and common purpose

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Conclusion

Relative deprivation highlights the complex, subjective nature of human satisfaction and social harmony. It explains why even objectively improving living standards may not quell dissatisfaction or unrest if disparities remain large or visible. Understanding its dynamics is vital for policymakers, business leaders, educators, and individuals alike, offering pathways to create more just, equitable, and content societies.

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References:

• Runciman, W.G. (1966). Relative deprivation and social justice.
• Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes.
• Townsend, P. (1979). Poverty in the United Kingdom.

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For a deeper understanding, readers are encouraged to explore current research articles and policy papers examining relative deprivation in specific contexts such as wealth inequality, health disparities, and the digital divide.